2022 UConn Football Commit - Donovan Branch (Winter Garden, Florida) > Decommitted 10/2/21>Recommitted 12/5/21

[UConnDan97]

Welcome to the Dog Pound, Donovan!!!

 

[huskymedic]

Orlando Sentinel: Foundation Academy 2022 DE Donovan Branch commits to UConn

-> Branch, who is 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, picked UConn over offers from several schools from Power Five conferences, including Virginia Tech, Syracuse and Georgia Tech, but his research on his position led him to UConn, which was lacking at defensive end on its current roster.

The Huskies’ coaching staff told Branch the intention is to use him as a rush end, as well as a rover-type linebacker.

“As long as I can stay outside and use my speed and explosiveness then I’m fine,” said Branch, a 2022 senior. “I can adjust to coverages if they need me like that, so it’s all good.”

Branch said the way he was treated by the entire coaching staff during his visit was a big reason why he decided to commit.

“Once I got there, it was instant ... felt like home,” Branch said. “When we first got there, a player who used to play there named Luke Carrezola was the one who drive me back and forth with my parents and he took us out to eat and showed us the ropes the first day.

“Everyone was so very welcoming, and coach [Randy] Edsell was the same way. It felt like home for sure, so that was instrumental.” <-

 

[Jimdish255]

He's gonna be a beast at 240 with those skills. Welcome Donovan!

 

[huskymedic]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Hoophound]

This is big news. If I remember correctly, he is one of the best recruits and I know he is considered a serious player down in Florida.

 

[DoctorWho85]

Welcome back. More kool-aid please?

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

 

[uchusky32]

Welcome back to the Pound, Donovan!

 

[Rumrunner]

This is incredible news.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

These re-commits make sense. If at one time you had bought into UConn academically...loved the facilities...liked the independent schedule...saw an opportunity to get playing time..why would that change with the hiring of Mora?

I know recruits build relationships with certain coaches..but Mora is an infinitely better coach to play under than Edsall.

 

[Kolumbo]

These re-commits make sense. If at one time you had bought into UConn academically...loved the facilities...liked the independent schedule...saw an opportunity to get playing time..why would that change with the hiring of Mora?

I know recruits build relationships with certain coaches..but Mora is an infinitely better coach to play under than Edsall.

Well he decommitted after Edsall retired and before Mora was hired so that makes sense.

 

[oldanintheway]

Again, Welcome Donovan.

 

[JMick]

These re-commits make sense. If at one time you had bought into UConn academically...loved the facilities...liked the independent schedule...saw an opportunity to get playing time..why would that change with the hiring of Mora?

I know recruits build relationships with certain coaches..but Mora is an infinitely better coach to play under than Edsall.

Position coaches mean a lot. You're spending a lot more time with them than the HC

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

Position coaches mean a lot. You're spending a lot more time with them than the HC

Agreed..but the overall direction of the program matters also.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[2Infinity]

Glad to have you back Donovan! Looking forward to big things here!

 

[HuskyDogArt]

Welcome back to the dog pound...When's the early signing period? I know it is coming up. Can't wait to see if any decommits will return...

 

[Husky92]

Welcome back to the dog pound...When's the early signing period? I know it is coming up. Can't wait to see if any decommits will return...

December 15-17
let’s get these guys signed and delivered!

 

[BlueandOG]

Glad to have you back! Let's go!!

 

[huskysupporter]

Agreed..but the overall direction of the program matters also.

How is a recruit at this point going to know what direction the program is going though? You are basing that the program is ascending solely because of the Coach change?

 

[huskysupporter]

Oh and to stay on topic - extremely happy Branch re-committed. Solid offers, he is going to help this team.

 

[SubbaBub]

How is a recruit at this point going to know what direction the program is going though? You are basing that the program is ascending solely because of the Coach change?

It could have been a real mess. Guess he liked the Mora hire and his initial take on the campus more than whomever else he was talking to.

An absolute win in my book.

 

[Watchdog]

Welcome Donovan. Your class will help the Huskies get back on the path to great football.

 

[DoctorWho85]

Hopefully Mora can get Sallis and Calhoun to recommit too. I'm so pumped we got this kid back too.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

How is a recruit at this point going to know what direction the program is going though? You are basing that the program is ascending solely because of the Coach change?

Yes.

Edsall made UConn the worst team in FBS. Nowhere to go but up.

 

[Fairfield_1st]

Hopefully Mora can get Sallis and Calhoun to recommit too. I'm so pumped we got this kid back too.

Didn't Sallis commit somewhere right after decommitting? Not that it's etched in stone.

 

[huskymedic]

Didn't Sallis commit somewhere right after decommitting? Not that it's etched in stone.

Marshall… he’s not coming back.

 

[Pudge]

My thinking ... they must be able to tell D line kids who our position coach is and DC

 

[rollskies]

Didn't Sallis commit somewhere right after decommitting? Not that it's etched in stone.

Marshall… he’s not coming back.

Yep I saw his mom responded to one of the tweets today regarding Xavier Brown’s offer being pulled. Safe to assume he won’t be coming back.